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Game Of The Week: Oregon-LSU

Pac-12 Game of the Week: Oregon vs. LSU
Dave Razzano breaks down the game and the players to watch for in this game. He is a former NFL scout with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

Oregon players to watch:

LaMichael James, RB
The Heisman Trophy candidate is fresh off a 24 TD season in 2010 where he was nearly impossible to stop. The explosive junior scatback's blazing speed makes him a threat to score on any carry.

Darron Thomas, QB
The dual-threat junior is a perfect fit for the Duck's zone read offensive attack. Has a unique ability to escape pressure and make accurate throws on the move. The unquestioned leader of an offense that could easily average forty five plus points per game.

David Paulson, TE
After catching 24 balls and four TDs in 2010, expect the athletic senior to play a much bigger role in Oregon's offensive attack. With the graduation of clutch WO Jeff Maehl, Paulson should more than double his production this season as he becomes a go-to 3rd down option for QB Thomas.

John Boyett, FS
The big play junior is the leader of an aggressive and swarming defense. His five picks in 2010 led the team. Doesn't overwhelm with size but is a fierce competitor who is always around the ball.

Terrell Turner, DE
His sack total in 2010 wasn't all that impressive as he was in a rotating system, but expect the explosive senior to put up double digit sacks in 2011. His quick first step off the ball allows him to win off the edge against bigger OT's.

LSU players to watch:

Rueben Randle, WO
This big and fast WO is the best receiver in the country that most people haven't heard of. His 6'4 size combines with blazing deep speed and outstanding hands, especially in jump ball situations.

Jarrett Lee, QB
With the suspension of starting QB Jordan Jefferson, all eyes will be on the senior signal caller with limited play time. Has been very erratic over the years when his number has been called.

Kendrick Adams, DE
This is the next in a long line of talented Tiger defensive linemen. He is a solid pass rusher who can also play the point of attack in the run game.

Morris Claiborne, DC
The wiry and athletic corner led the defense with five picks in 2010. This player looks to be one of the better man to man defenders in the land.

Ryan Baker, LB
The fast and aggressive senior is expected to lead the Tiger defense in tackles this season. He combines quickness with outstanding instincts getting to the football.

Game Analysis
LSU comes into the game with several key players suspended, including starting QB Jordan Jefferson, which gives the Oregon Ducks a huge advantage in this opening match up. With plenty of depth on both sides of the ball, the LSU Tigers should keep the game close for a couple of quarters. The second half should be a different story as the explosive Oregon zone option attack tends to wear down the opposition and begins piling up the yards and points. This offense is very difficult to contain from a mental standpoint due to all the motioning and shifting, which will keep the Tiger defense off balance the majority of the game. The LSU secondary is very athletic and could force some early turnovers but when the dust settles, this game could turn into Oregon's favor, and the Ducks should leave Dallas with an impressive early season win.